Fact or Fiction? Script

Warm-Up: What's the Scoop? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to sharpen our detective skills. To start, I want you to look at the statement on the screen [or handout]: 'Social media is the most important way to get news.'

Take a moment to think about this statement. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Jot down a quick thought or be ready to share with a partner."

Allow 1-2 minutes for students to think/write/discuss. Circulate and listen to initial ideas.

Teacher: "Alright, let's hear some thoughts. Who'd like to share whether they think this statement is true or false, and more importantly, why?"

Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging students to explain their reasoning. Gently guide them towards the idea that different people might have different experiences or beliefs about this.

Teacher: "Great ideas! What we just did, trying to figure out if something is generally true or if it's someone's viewpoint, is exactly what we'll be focusing on today. Our world is full of information, and it's super important to be able to tell the difference between what's a solid fact and what's just someone's opinion."

Introduction: Fact vs. Opinion (8 minutes)

Teacher: "(Transition to Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 2: What's the Difference?) Let's get down to basics. What exactly is a fact? Can anyone give me a definition or an example?"

Allow students to offer ideas. Guide them to the definition on the slide.

Teacher: "Exactly! A fact is something that can be proven true or false. Think of it like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly with evidence. For example, 'The Earth revolves around the Sun.' We have scientific evidence, observations, and calculations that prove this. It's not just something I believe; it's verifiable."

Teacher: "Now, what about an opinion? How would you describe that?"

Allow students to offer ideas. Guide them to the definition on the slide.

Teacher: "Spot on! An opinion is a belief, a feeling, or a judgment that cannot be proven true or false. It's how you see things, and others might see them differently. For instance, 'Vanilla ice cream is the best flavor.' I might love vanilla, but someone else might prefer chocolate, and neither of us is 'wrong.' It's a matter of taste, not proof."

Teacher: "The key difference? Facts are objective – they are what they are, regardless of who's looking at them. Opinions are subjective – they depend on individual feelings and perspectives. Any questions so far?"

Address any questions.

Activity: Spot the Difference (12 minutes)

Teacher: "(Transition to Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 3: Let's Practice!) Now it's your turn to be the detectives. We're going to look at a few statements, and your job is to tell me: Is it a fact or an opinion? And the most important part: Why? What makes you say that?"

Go through Slides 4-7, one statement at a time. For each statement:

Teacher: "(Display Statement 1 on Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 4) 'The capital of France is Paris.' Fact or opinion? Turn and talk to a partner for 30 seconds, then we'll share."

Allow time for discussion.

Teacher: "What do we think? Fact or opinion, and why?"

Guide students to identify it as a fact because it can be verified with geographical and historical evidence.

Teacher: "(Display Statement 2 on Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 5) 'Blue is the most calming color.' Fact or opinion? Discuss with your partner."

Allow time for discussion.

Teacher: "Alright, what's the verdict?"

Guide students to identify it as an opinion, as calmness is subjective and varies by individual perception. There's no objective proof.

Teacher: "(Display Statement 3 on Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 6) 'Dogs are better pets than cats.' Fact or opinion?"

Allow time for discussion.

Teacher: "And for this one?"

Guide students to identify it as an opinion, as 'better' is a value judgment based on personal preferences and experiences.

Teacher: "(Display Statement 4 on Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 7) 'Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.' Fact or opinion?"

Allow time for discussion.

Teacher: "Last one! What do you say?"

Guide students to identify it as a fact, as it's a scientifically measurable and verifiable property of water under specific conditions.

Teacher: "You're doing great at picking these apart! Remember to always ask yourself: 'Can this be proven with evidence, or is it someone's personal take?'"

Wrap-Up: Critical Thinker Challenge (5 minutes)

Teacher: "(Transition to Fact or Fiction? Slide Deck - Slide 8: Be a Critical Thinker!) To wrap up, let's quickly review our key takeaways. What are the two main things you need to remember about facts and opinions?"

Elicit responses: Facts can be proven, opinions are personal beliefs.

Teacher: "And what's the crucial question you should always ask yourself when you encounter new information?"

Elicit response: Can this be verified?

Teacher: "Excellent! Your challenge, starting right now, is to be a critical thinker outside of this classroom. When you're scrolling through social media, watching the news, or even just chatting with friends, pay attention. Can you spot the facts? Can you identify the opinions? Thinking critically about the information we receive helps us make better decisions and understand the world more clearly."

Teacher: "Any final thoughts or questions before we conclude? Thank you all for your active participation!"

Fact or Fiction? Warm Up

Statement: "Social media is the most important way to get news."

Quick Write / Think-Pair-Share:

1. Do you think this statement is a fact (something that can be proven true or false) or an opinion (a personal belief or judgment)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Briefly explain why you think it's a fact or an opinion.